Climate-Friendly Technology Proposals from the 110th Congress

H.R. 6: Renewable Fuels, Consumer Protection, and Energy Efficiency Act of 2007. This is the omnibus Senate energy bill for 2007. It contains a variety of provisions intended to promote the development and deployment of biofuels, energy efficiency, carbon capture and storage, environmentally sustainable public buildings, and includes a measure to increase the corporate average fuel economy (CAFE) standard. This summary will focus on those provisions most directly relevant to climate change.

· Among other provisions, the bill establishes a renewable fuel standard, to reach 36 billion gallons by 2022, with 21 billion of those gallons to be from advanced biofuels. The bill mandates that renewable fuels produced from facilities that commence operations after enactment shall achieve at least 20% reduction in life cycle greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, compared to gasoline. The bill also directs the Presidnet to establish criteria for a system of voluntary labeling of renewable fuels based on life cycle greenhouse gas emissions.

· The bill directs the President to establish a program to provide grants for research support to facilitate the development of sustainable markets and technologies to use woody biomass and other low carbon fuels, including research into methods of assessing and certifying the impacts of low-carbon fuels with respect to reductions in lifecycle GHG emissions, among other impacts.

· The bill also directs the Secretary of Energy to establish a grant program to encourage the production of advanced biofuels. It requires the Secretary to award grants to the proposals for advanced biofuels with the greatest reduction in lifecycle GHG emissions compared to the comparable vehicle fuel lifecycle emissions in calendar year 2007, with at least a 50% such reduction needed to be eligible.

· The bill amends the Clean Air Act to direct the Administrator of the EPA to work with the EPA to conduct 2 studies on the effects of increased domestic use of renewable fuels under this act, including an assessment and quantification of significant changes in GHG emissions, among others.

· Among other provisions, the bill directs the Secretary of Energy to conduct an applied research program for plug-in electric drive vehicle technology, including development of control systems optimized for reducing greenhouse gas emissions; it also directs the Secretary to establish a competitive program to provide grants for demonstrations of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles. As part of the criteria, applicants are required to record GHG emissions.

· The bill also amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to establish an Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Worker Training. It directs the Secretary of Energy to establish a competitive grant program for States to administer renewable energy and energy efficiency workforce development programs, and requires the Secretary to give priority to those States whose programs will be in line with meeting national and State goals for reducing GHG emissions, among other goals.

· The bill requires the Secretary of the Interior to develop a national assessment of the quantity of carbon stored in and released from terrestrial ecosystems, including from human-caused and natural fires, and the annual flux of GHGs in and out of terrestrial ecosystems. As part of the assessment, the Secretary must determine the processes that control the flux of GHGs in and out of terrestrial ecosystems; estimate the potential for increasing carbon sequestration in natural and managed terrestrial ecosystems; develop near-term and long-term adaptation strategies or mitigation strategies that can be employed to enhance the sequestration of carbon in terrestrial ecosystems, to reduce emissions of GHGs, and to adapt to climate change.

· The bill also requires the Secretary of the Interior to develop a method for measuring, monitoring, quantifying, and monetizing covered GHG emissions and reductions, including methods for allocating and managing offsets or credits.

· The bill directs the Secretary of Transportation to increase Corporate Average Fuel Economy regulations to achieve a combined standard for passenger cars and light trucks of at least 35 miles per gallon by 2020. For model years 2021 through 2031, the Secretary would have to establish the "maximum feasible" standard for the fleet. In establishing the maximum feasible standard, the bill directs the Secretary to consider the emissions of GHGs over the lifecycle of the fuel and the resulting costs to human health, the economy, and the environment.

· The bill amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to establish a program to promote and fund carbon capture and storage research, development, and demonstration. It authorizes a total of $1.425 billion for various of activities related to carbon capture and storage, including: fundamental science and engineering research; field testing of carbon dioxide sequestration in operating and depleted oil and gas fields, and geological formations including saline formations and unmineable coal seams; not less than 7 large-volume sequestration tests involving at least 1 million tons of carbon dioxide per year in a diversity of geological formations across the United States; and an assessment of the national capacity for carbon dioxide storage. The bill also directs the Secretary of Energy to establish a competitive grant program for the demonstration of carbon capture and storage from industrial sources.

· The bill also requires the Administrator of the EPA to establish a competitive grant demonstration program for projects to capture and store or use the carbon dioxide emitted from the Capitol power plant as a result of burning coal.

· In addition, the bill requires the Secretary of the Interior to develop a national assessment of the quantity of carbon stored in and released from terrestrial ecosystems, including from human-caused and natural fires, and the annual flux of GHGs in and out of terrestrial ecosystems. As part of the assessment, the Secretary must determine the processes that control the flux of GHGs in and out of terrestrial ecosystems; estimate the potential for increasing carbon sequestration in natural and managed terrestrial ecosystems; develop near-term and long-term adaptation strategies or mitigation strategies that can be employed to enhance the sequestration of carbon in terrestrial ecosystems, to reduce emissions of GHGs, and to adapt to climate change.

· The bill also requires the Secretary of Commerce to establish within NOAA a program of scientific research on abrupt climate change, and authorizes up to $10 million between 2009 and 2014.

· Finally, the bill expresses the sense of Congress that “[d]evelopment of renewable energy through sustainable practices will help lead to a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and enhance international development.

Sponsor: Rep. Nick Rahall (D-WV) (198 Cosponsors)

S. 1007: United States-Brazil Energy Cooperation Pact of 2007. Among other provisions, the Act directs the Secretary of State and the Secretary of Energy to establish a Western Hemisphere Energy Cooperation Forum, which would include among its goals the facilitation of “the use of carbon sequestration methods in agriculture and forestry and linking greenhouse gas emissions reduction programs to international carbon markets.” The Act also directs the Secretary of Agriculture to work with the Government of Brazil to “facilitate joint agricultural extension activities related to biofuels crop production, biofuels production, and environmental and greenhouse gas emissions reduction practices.” Additionally, the bill requires the Secretary of State to work with governments in the Western Hemisphere and other countries to organize regional and hemispheric carbon trading mechanisms under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and existing trade and financial agreements to (1) establish special carbon credits for the preservation of tropical rain forests; (2) use greenhouse gas-reducing farming practices; (3) jointly fund greenhouse gas sequestration studies and experiments in various geological formations; and (4) jointly fund climate mitigation studies in vulnerable areas in the Western Hemisphere,” and appropriates $5 million for fiscal year 2008 for said purposes.

Sponsor: Sen. Richard G. Lugar (R-IN) (2 Cosponsors)

S. 1016: Solar Opportunity and Local Access Rights Act. The Act would “amend the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 to promote energy independence and self-sufficiency by providing for the use of net metering by certain small electric energy generation systems,” and language in the bill ensures that where applicable, customer-generators will retain ownership and title to any renewable energy or greenhouse gas credits that accrues to their energy generation activities.

Sponsor: Sen. Robert Menendez (D-NJ)

S. 1072: Federal Agency Environmental Responsibility Act. Among other provisions, the Act requires the head of each Federal agency to implement sustainable practices within the agency for avoiding or reducing GHG emissions. The bill also directs the Administrator of the General Services Administration to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions from Federal buildings through the use of energy efficient light bulbs, requiring that within five years of the bill’s enactment, all light bulbs—including those in traffic signals and exterior lights on Federal property—should be replaced by energy-efficient bulbs, and mandating that only energy-efficient bulbs may be used in Federal buildings. The Administrator can make those exceptions deemed necessary, and “energy efficient bulbs” are defined as those with a lumens-per-Watt rating of not less than 30 until January 1, 2018; and for calendar years ending after 2017, a lumens-per-Watt rating of not less than 45.

Sponsor: Sen. Ted Stevens (R-AK)

S. 1177: Clean Air Planning Act of 2007. Among other provisions, this bill promulgates declining annual national pollutant tonnage limitations for emissions of carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, mercury, and emissions from the electric generating sector. It also establishes allowance trading programs for these pollutants. In addition, it establishes a Climate Action Trust Fund, to be funded by revenues from auctions of allowances from the separate trading programs, and to be used for clean and low-carbon energy technology research and development, adaptation assistance for workers and communities negatively affected by climate change and greenhouse gas regulation, and wildlife and habitat conservation and adaptation.

Sponsor: Sen. Thomas Carper (D-DE) (13 Cosponsors)

S. 1187: Clean Capitol Act of 2007. This bill requires the Architect of the Capitol to develop a plan to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from the Capitol complex, with the goal of achieving carbon neutrality at the complex by December 31, 2020. The bill gives priority to methods which would make the complex more energy efficient and use off-and on-site renewable sources of energy, but allows the purchase of carbon dioxide emission offsets if necessary.

Sponsor: Sen. John F. Kerry (D-MA)

S. 1321: Energy Savings Act of 2007. The purpose of this bill is to enhance the energy security of the United States by promoting biofuels, energy efficiency, and carbon capture and storage. Among other provisions, it directs the President to establish a renewable fuels standard, which includes a requirement that biofuels facilities built after enactment achieve at least a 20% reduction in life-cycle greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions compared to gasoline. The bill also directs the Secretary of Energy to establish competitive grant programs for electric drive vehicles and for near-term oil-saving transportation projects, and makes GHG emissions reductions and reporting a criteria for project selection. In addition, the bill includes a carbon capture and storage (CCS) research, development, and demonstration title which, among other things, requires the Secretary of Energy to carry out a demonstration of large-scale carbon dioxide capture from a gasification facility selected by the Secretary.

Sponsor: Sen. Jeff Bingaman (D-NM)

S. 1370: Clean Energy Investment Assurance Act of 2007. This bill contains a variety of amendments to the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 intended to ensure investment and innovation in clean energy technologies. Among other provisions, it extends the renewable electricity production credit to those facilities which use zero-carbon emissions resources to produce electricity.

Sponsor: Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-WA) (3 Cosponsors)

S. 1419: Renewable Fuels, Consumer Protection, and Energy Efficiency Act of 2007. This bill contains a number of proposals intended to promote renewable fuels and energy efficiency, among other purposes. Its titles addressing biofuels, energy efficiency promotion, and carbon capture and storage are similar to those included in S. 1321. In addition, the bill gives the Secretary of Transportation the authority to raise fuel economy standards, and directs the Secretary to consider greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions levels as a criteria when deciding whether and by how much to raise fuel economy standards.

Sponsor: Sen. Harry Reid (D-NV)

S. 1422: Farm Risk Management Act for the 21st Century. Among other provisions intended to assist in the stabilization of farm income, and to promote investment in value-added farms as well as higher levels of environmental stewardship, this bill would amend the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to make grants, loans, and loan guarantees for biorefinery development projects. The bill requires the Secretary to develop goals for greenhouse gas reductions to be achieved by such projects, and to considers such goal as criteria when selecting which projects will receive funds.

Sponsor: Sen. Richard G. Lugar (R-IN)

S. 1508: Clean Energy Production Tax Incentives Act of 2007. This bill amends various provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to promote investment in a variety of energy technologies through the creation, expansion and extension of certain tax credits. Among other provisions, the bill extends the tax credit for qualifying advanced clean coal projects, and instructs the Secretary of Energy to give high priority to projects that incorporate capture and long-term storage of carbon dioxide (CO2), including CO2 enhanced oil recovery. It also establishes a credit for clean coal energy bonds, a tax credit for the capture and storage or use of CO2 , and CO2 capture bonds.

Sponsor: Sen. Byron Dorgan (N-ND)

S. 1511: Marine and Hydrokinetic Renewable Energy Promotion Act of 2007. This bill would direct the Secretary of Energy, in consultation with the Secretary of Commerce and the Secretary of the Interior, to establish a program of marine and hydrokinetic renewable energy research. In addition, the bill finds that the “use of marine and hydrokinetic renewable energy technologies can avoid contributions to global warming gases.” The bill would direct the Secretary of Energy to establish an Adaptive Management and Environmental Fund, and lend monies from that fund for marine and hydrokinetic renewable energy projects. The bill would also establish tax incentives for marine and hydrokinetic renewable energy projects.

Sponsor: Sen. Daniel K. Akaka (D-HI) (2 Cosponsors)

S. 1523: To amend the Clean Air Act to reduce emissions of carbon dioxide from the Capitol power plant. This bill would amend the Clean Air Act to require the Administrator of the EPA to establish a competitive grant demonstration program for projects to capture and store or use the carbon dioxide emitted from the Capitol power plant as a result of burning coal.

Sponsor: Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-CA) (4 Cosponsors)

S. 1766: Low Carbon Economy Act of 2007. This bill is intended to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the production and use of energy. It would establish a cap-and-trade system for GHG emissions, beginning in 2012. The bill’s goal is to reduce United States GHG emissions to 2006 levels by 2020 and to 1990 levels by 2030. Facilities subject to the cap are petroleum refineries, natural gas processing plants and liquefied natural gas (LNG) facilities, importers of liquid fossil fuels, importers and manufacturers of non-carbon dioxide GHGs, large coal-consuming facilities, and manufacturers of adipic or nitric acid, aluminum smelters. The bill establishes a technology accelerator payment (TAP), which regulated entities can pay in lieu of submitting an emission allowance; the initial price of the TAP is $12/metric ton of carbon dioxide (CO₂)equivalent in 2012, increasing at a rate of 5% above the rate of inflation per year. Funds received under the TAP mechanism will be used to fund technology development and deployment. Emission allowances will be allocated to industry sectors: 12% to coal mines; 7% to petroleum refineries; 4% to natural gas processing facilities; 54% to electricity generating facilities; 4% to nonfuel regulated activities; and 19% to carbon-intensive manufacturing facilities. 9% of allowances will be allocated to states, and allowances will also be allocated for agricultural projects and for early reductions according to rules yet to be established. The bill creates bonus allowances for carbon capture and sequestration, starting at an allowance-to-ton of sequestered CO₂ of 3.5/1 in 2012, and declining to .5/1 in 2039. The bill specifies that 24% of all allowances to be auctioned at the start of the program, increasing to 53% by 2030. Auction proceeds will be used to fund the Energy Technology Deployment Fund, for research, development, and deployment of low-carbon technologies, as well as international technology deployment. Auction funds will also be deposited in a Climate Adaptation Fund to mitigate the effects of climate change; and the Energy Assistance Fund, to be used to ease the financial impact of higher energy costs.

Sponsor: Sen. Jeff Bingaman (D-NM) (6 Cosponsors)

S. 2144: Carbon Dioxide Pipeline Study Act of 2007. This bill would require the Secretary of Energy, in coordination with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), the Secretary of Transportation, the Administrator of the EPA, and the Secretary of the Interior, to conduct a study to assess the feasibility of the construction and operation of: pipelines to be used for the transportation of carbon dioxide to be used in sequestration or advanced oil recovery; and carbon dioxide sequestration facilities.

Sponsor: Sen. Norm Coleman (R-MN) (9 Cosponsors)

S. 2155: International Clean Energy Technologies Deployment and Global Energy Markets Investment Act of 2007. This bill would amend the Energy Policy Act of 1992 to direct the Secretary of Energy, in coordination with the Secretary of State and the Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to provide assistance for activities in developing countries that include, among others, promoting clean energy and energy efficiency measures; identifying opportunities to reduce, avoid, or sequester greenhouse gases; and monitor progress in implementing greenhouse gas reduction strategies. The bill also requires, not later than 2 years after enactment, the establishment of a pilot program to provide financial assistance for demonstration projects for clean energy and other technologies which will reduce greenhouse gas emissions (compared to technologyies wich would be otherwise deployed), and requires that such projects be constructed in a developing country to produce energy which will be consumed in that country, or which will improve the efficiency of energy use in a developing country. In addition, the bill requires that if a developing country receiving assistance represents the predominant share of energy use among developing countries, then that country shall be required to report on various indicators of progress, including increased use of lower greenhouse gas-emitting fossil fuel-burning technologies. The bill also requires the President to establish a Task Force on International Clean energy Technologies Cooperation.

Sponsor: Sen. Robert C. Byrd (D-WV)

S. 2191:

NOTE: For a full range of Pew Center resources for Lieberman-Warner, including in depth analysis, a longer summary, a complete timeline, and links to relevant external documents and media, please click here

The Lieberman-Warner Climate Security Act (L-W CSA). This bill would establish a cap-and-trade program within the United States requiring a 70% reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from covered sources, which represent over 80% of total U.S. emissions. The bill as amended also includes complementary policies, such as a low carbon fuel standard and provisions aimed at enhancing energy efficiency. Taken together, the bill’s sponsors believe these provisions will reduce overall U.S. GHG emissions roughly 63% by 2050.

The L-W CSA divides the six GHGs into two categories: Group I (carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, sulfur hexafluoride, and perfluorocarbons) and Group II (hydrofluorcarbons). For all GHGs, the bill uses the common unit of measurement CO₂ equivalent (CO₂e)—the quantity of GHGs that the U.S. EPA has determined makes the same contribution to global warming as one metric ton of CO₂. The L-W CSA would create two separate caps, one covering facilities that produce HFCs and the other covering facilities that:

· Use more that 5,000 tons of coal annually;

· Process, produce, or import natural gas;

· Produce or import petroleum or coal-based fuel that when combusted will emit a Group I GHG;

· Produce for sale or distribution or import more than 10,000 CO₂e of chemicals that are group I GHGs, assuming no capture or permanent sequestration

· Emit as a by-product of HCFC production more than 10,000 CO₂e of HFCs

Overall, the two caps combined are expected to cover over 80% of total U.S. GHG emissions, although some process related emissions are not covered.

The cap on facilities producing HFCs would start in 2010 at 300 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (MMTCO₂e) and decline to 90 MMTCO₂e by 2037, remaining at that level through 2050. Emissions from all other covered facilities would be capped at 5775 MMTCO₂e in 2012, with this cap decreasing annually to 1732 MMTCO₂e in 2050. The two caps combined would result in roughly a 19% reduction from 2005 levels in 2020 and a 70% reduction from 2005 levels by 2050.

Beginning in 2012 and continuing through 2030, the L-W CSA would provide transition assistance in the form of free allowances to electric power generators (19%), manufacturers (10%), fuel producers or importers (2%), HFC producers and importers (2%), and rural electric cooperatives (1%). In addition, 5% of the total emission allowance account will be allocated to early actors from 2012-2017 and 4% for carbon, capture and sequestration activities from 2012-2030. Approximately 30.5% of the total allowance account will be set aside from 2012-2050 for other entities, including states, load-serving entities, farms and forests, coal mines, and others. Starting in 2012, 26.5% of allowances would be auctioned (including 5% for an early auction to be held shortly after enactment), with the proceeds going to energy technology deployment, low-and middle-income energy consumers, adaptation efforts in the U.S., and programs to support energy independence and national security. Over time, the auction will grow so that by 2031, 69.5% of the allowances would be auctioned and the revenue used for these purposes.

The L-W CSA allows covered facilities to satisfy up to 15% of their compliance obligation with specific domestic offsets. An additional 15% can be covered using international emission allowances. Unlimited banking is allowed and owners and operators of covered facilities can borrow up to 15% of their annual compliance obligation from future years. The L-W CSA also creates a Carbon Market Efficiency Board to monitor the carbon trading market and implement specific cost relief measures, including increased borrowing and use of offsets.

The L-W CSA includes a review of the commitments of other major-emitting nations to reduce their GHG emissions. Eight years after enactment the President is authorized to require importers of GHG emission-intensive products from countries that have not taken action comparable to the U.S. to submit credits equal to those required of domestic manufactures.

Sponsor: Sen. Joseph I. Lieberman (I-CT) (9 Cosponsors)

11/1/07: Reported by the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works Subcommittee on Private Sector and Consumer Solutions to Global Warming by 4-3; 12/5/08: Reported by the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works by 11-8.

S. 2323: Carbon Capture and Storage Technology Act of 2007. This bill would require the Secretary of Energy to establish a competitive grant program to between 3 and 5, 8-year commercial demonstration projects for carbon dioxide capture and storage. To qualify for assistance, the projects must inject and store at least 1,000,000 tons of carbon dioxide each year. The bill also directs the Secretary of Energy to establish a grant program for between 3 and 5 commercial demonstration projects for the capture of carbon dioxide emissions from coal-fired power plants. To qualify, plants must have a nameplate capacity of between 250 and 500 megawatts, and plants which combine the capture of carbon dioxide with sequestration in deep geological formations shall receive priority in grant considerations. The bill also establishes an interagency task force to develop regulations providing guidelines and practices for the capture and storage of carbon dioxide.

Sponsor: Sen. John F. Kerry (D-MA) (1 Cosponsors)

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Sponsor: Sen. John Barrasso (R-WY) (4 Cosponsors)

S. 2739:

Consolidated Natural Resources Act of 2008. Among various provisions to authorize programs and activities in the Department of Interior, the Forest Service, and the Department of Energy, and other purposes, this bill would amend the Steel and Aluminum Energy Conservation and Technology Competitiveness Act of 1988 to FY 2012, and emphasize the research and development of technologies that reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Sponsor: Sen. Jeff Bingaman (D-NM)

4/10/08: Passed the Senate by 91-4; 4/29/08: Passed the House by 291-117; 5/8/08: Signed by the President.

S. 280: Climate Stewardship and Innovation Act of 2007. The Act establishes a market-driven system of tradable greenhouse gas (GHG) allowances, administered by the Environmental Protection Agency, to begin in 2012. The Act would divide the economy into sectors—electricity, transportation, industry, and commercial—each subject to separate, sector-wide emissions cap, while allowing inter-sector trading. Allowances would be equal to a maximum of 6.13 million metric tons of CO2e after 2011, reducing to 5.239 million metric tons after 2019, 4.1 million after 2029, and 2.096 after 2049; the quantities of these allowances could be reduced, depending on the GHG emissions of the rest of the economy and emitters not subject to the cap. The bill would also establish a national GHG database and registry, as well as a Climate Change Credit Corporation, a non-profit corporation with a board appointed by the President of the United States. This corporation would be allocated a portion of tradable allowances, and be able to buy and sell other allowances, and is directed to use the proceeds from its trading activities to reduce costs borne by consumers as a result of the GHG reduction requirements of the Act. The Act also contains provisions to encourage the innovation and deployment of advanced, climate-friendly technologies; it also directs the Secretary of Commerce to conduct research on the impact of climate change on low-income populations around the world, and the costs of mitigating those impacts.

Sponsor: Sen. Joseph I. Lieberman (I-CT) (9 Cosponsors)

S. 2940:

Green Energy Production Act of 2008. This bill would direct the Secretary of Energy to establish a Green Technology Investment Corporation within the Department of Energy. It would also establish a Green Technology Fund within the U.S. Treasury. Among the purposes the Corporation would be created to advance through the use of the Fund is financing advanced manufacturing technologies to help new and existing industries become carbon-neutral. The bill would direct the Corporation to give priority to carbon-neutral projects. Projects involving energy produced from coal would only be eligible if they sequestered a minimum of 85% of their annual carbon dioxide emissions, and complied with section 1421(d) of the Safe Water Drinking Act.

Sponsor: Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH)

S. 3036:

The Lieberman-Warner Climate Security Act of 2008

NOTE: For a full range of Pew Center resources for this bill, including in depth analysis, a longer summary, a complete timeline, and links to relevant external documents and media, please click here

·         The Act, if enacted into law, would establish a market-based cap-and-trade program for greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the United States, and establish other measures to reduce GHG emissions.

·         This is the first cap-and-trade legislation to proceed to the Senate floor through regular order—that is, through the committee process. A previous version of this bill, then titled S.2191, was passed 11-8 by the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee in December 2007. The version that will debated on the Senate floor has been extensively revised from the version passed by the EPW committee.

·         An estimated 87% of U.S. GHG emissions would be subject to the bill’s cap-and-trade program. Those required to submit emissions allowances under the program include: coal-fired power plants and other entities that use more than 5,000 metric tons of coal, natural gas processors and importers, petroleum processors and refiners, manufacturers and importers of more than 10,000 metric tons of GHGs (as measured in CO2 equivalents), and any entity that emits more than 10,000 metric tons (CO2e) of HFCs as a byproduct of the manufacture of hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs). The bill establishes a separate cap-and-trade system for HFCs produced or imported (including those in products and equipment).

·         The cap-and-trade program would reduce GHG emissions from covered sectors by 4% below 2005 levels by 2012; 19% below 2005 levels by 2020; and 71% below 2005 levels by 2050.

·         The bill would allocate 75.5% of all allowances for free in 2012— including 18% to power plants, 11% to manufacturers, 2% to petroleum refiners, and 0.75% to natural gas processors (transitioning to zero in 2031); 12.75% to electricity and natural gas local distribution companies for the benefit of energy consumers, and 15% to states, etc. The proportion of allowances auctioned would increase from 24.5% in 2012 to 58.75% by 2032.

·         The bill would establish numerous measures to contain the cost of the cap-and-trade program, including allowing the use of domestic and international offsets, and the banking and borrowing of allowances; establishing a Carbon Market Efficiency Board empowered with certain cost-relief powers; and establishing a “cost-containment auction” of a fixed quantity of allowances each year that will initially be offered only to those with compliance obligations and within a certain price range. The bill also establishes a working group that will create regulations designed to protect the market from fraud and manipulation.

·         The bill would provide funds to compensate low-income energy consumers and assist in worker transition.

·         The bill would provide funding and incentives for development and deployment of geological carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) technology, with a goal of constructing 5-10 commercial coal-burning electricity facilities using CCS.

·         The bill would also provide funds for: renewable energy; increasing the energy efficiency of buildings, appliances, manufacturing; research into low-carbon electricity generation and advanced energy projects; increasing the use and manufacture of hybrid and advanced vehicles; and increasing the production of cellulosic biofuels. It also includes a low-carbon fuel standard.

·         The bill would provide funds for the states for mass transit projects, and wildlife conservation and adaptation projects, among others.

·         The bill has a number of international provisions, including a measure that would require importers of certain commodities from countries that do not have GHG control programs to submit special allowances, as well as funds for assisting vulnerable communities abroad, promoting international technology development, and conserving forests and wildlife in other countries.

Sponsor: Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-CA) 6/2/08: Cloture on the motion to proceed to the bill invoked by the Senate by 74-14; 6/6/08: the Senate failed to invoke cloture to close debate on the bill by 48-36.

S. 317: Electric Utility Cap and Trade Act of 2007. The Act creates a greenhouse gas (GHG) cap-and-trade system for electric generating facilities of 25 megawatt capacity or larger. Beginning in 2011, the Act would limit total GHG emissions by these facilities to their total emissions in 2006; to 2001 levels in 2015; in each year from 2016 to 2019, by an additional 1% reduction based on the emissions reduction of the previous year; and in each year from 2020 onwards, by an additional 1.5% reduction based on the emissions reduction of the previous year. Emissions credits would be distributed through a mix of auction and allocation, with proceeds from auctions going into a Climate Action Trust Fund. Monies from the Trust Fund would be used to fund research and development for climate-friendly technologies, and adaptation assistance for workers and communities, among other purposes.

Sponsor: Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) (1 Cosponsors)

S. 339: Dependence Reduction through Innovation in Vehicles and Energy (DRIVE) Act. Among other provisions designed to increase the use of alternative fuels and new technology, the Act directs the Secretary of Energy to include greenhouse gas reduction capability in a “research, development, demonstration, and commercial application program for electric drive transportation technology and engine dominant hybrid vehicle technology.”

Sponsor: Sen. Evan Bayh (D-IN) (26 Cosponsors)

S. 485: Global Warming Reduction Act of 2007. The Act would “establish an economy-wide global warming pollution emission cap-and-trade program,” among other provisions. The bill declares that it shall be a goal of the United States to work with other greenhouse gas (GHG)-emitting countries to limit average global concentrations of GHGs at 450 parts per million, and to reduce emissions to 65% of year 2000 levels by 2050. The bill requires the United States to reduce emissions to 1990 levels by 2020; by at least an additional 2.5 percent below each preceding year between 2021 and 2030; and by at least an additional 3.5 percent each preceding year between 2031 and 2050. The bill directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to design the cap-and-trade system, and gives the Administrator discretion over the scope of the system, including which sectors would be subject to the cap. The bill also directs the President, in conjunction with the Administrator and other Federal agencies, to submit to Congress a plan for how the tradable allowances should be distributed. In addition, the bill directs the Administrator to establish GHG emissions standards for passenger vehicles which will meet or exceed the standards adopted by the California Air Resources Board in September 2004. The bill also contains provisions concerning research and development, energy efficiency standards, the renewable portfolio standard, and carbon capture and sequestration, among others.

Sponsor: Sen. John F. Kerry (D-MA) (2 Cosponsors)

S. 701: Strategic Energy Fund Act of 2007. Among other provisions, the Act would amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to impose a temporary oil profit fee, and use the profits of this fee to create and expand energy tax incentives, including incentives for and coal-to-liquid projects that practice carbon capture and sequestration.

Sponsor: Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-NY)

S. 731: National Carbon Dioxide Storage Capacity Assessment Act of 2007. The Act directs the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the Director of the United States Geological Survey, to—within 270 days of the bill’s enactment—develop a methodology for conducting a national assessment of the geological storage capacity for carbon dioxide.

(12 Cosponsors)

S. 761: America Creating Opportunities to Meaningfully Promote Excellence in Technology, Education, and Science (America COMPETES) Act. Among other provisions, the Act directs the Secretary of Energy to establish an Advanced Research Projects authority to overcome the long-term and high-risk technological barriers in the development of energy technologies, including carbon-neutral and carbon sequestration technology.

Sponsor: Sen. Harry Reid (D-NV) (69 Cosponsors)

S. 859: Ethanol Infrastructure Expansion Act of 2007. The Act, which requires the Secretary of Energy to “award funds to study the feasibility of constructing dedicated ethanol pipelines to increase the energy, economic, and environmental security of the United States.” Among its provisions, the bill cites as one benefit of ethanol that it provides “reduced greenhouse gas emissions that cause climate change.”

Sponsor: Sen. Tom Harkin (D-IA) (1 Cosponsors)

S. 919: Healthy Farms, Foods, and Fuels Act of 2007. Among other provisions, the Act includes support for development of biorefineries, directing the Secretary of Agriculture to consider—when making award grants, loans and loans guarantees for biorefinery and methane digester projects—the extent to which projects reduce greenhouse gas emissions, among other criteria.

Sponsor: Sen. Robert Menendez (D-NJ) (5 Cosponsors)

S. 962: Department of Energy Carbon Capture and Storage Research, Development, and Demonstration Act of 2007. Among other provisions, the Act would “amend the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to reauthorize and improve the carbon capture and storage research, development, and demonstration program of the Department of Energy,” including authorizing $315 million for such research over fiscal years 2007-2009.

Sponsor: Sen. Jeff Bingaman (D-NM) (14 Cosponsors)

S.2149: Coal Fuels and Industrial Gasification Demonstration and Development Act of 2007. This bill, among other provisions, establishes a carbon dioxide (CO₂) sequestration tax credit equal to $20/metric ton if the CO₂ is disposed of in secure geological storage, and to $10/metric ton if the CO₂ is used as an injectant in an enhanced oil or natural gas recovery project. The bill also directs the Secretary of Energy to establish a program to provide grants for projects to produce synthetic gas, liquid fuels, and other products from coal and other feedstocks; grants will be provided through a reverse auction system, in which eligible projects proposed to be carried out that have the greatest percentage reduction of lifecycle greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in comparison to facilities that use conventional feedstocks and do not use carbon capture and sequestration technologies, are given priority.

Sponsor: Sen. Byron Dorgan (N-ND)

H. Res. 987:   A resolution encouraging Americans to use their rebate checks to invest in renewable energy and energy-efficient products and services in order to save money, stimulate the economy, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Sponsor: Rep. Brian Baird (D-WA) (38 Cosponsors)

H.R. 1126: An act to reauthorize the Steel and Aluminum Energy Conservation and Technology Competitiveness Act of 1988. The bill adds language to the reauthorized Act which refers to “[t]he development of technologies which reduce greenhouse gas emissions.”

Sponsor: Rep. Dan Lipinski (D-IL) (9 Cosponsors)

H.R. 1186: United States-India Energy Security Cooperation Act of 2007. The Act authorizes the President to establish programs in support of greater energy cooperation between the United States and India, including providing assistance to India for cooperation related to the research, development, and deployment of, among others: clean coal and emission reduction technologies, carbon sequestration projects, and alternative fuel sources such as ethanol, bio-mass, and coal-based fuels. The Act also requires the Secretary of State and the Secretary of Energy to submit a report to Congress on energy security cooperation between the U.S. and India.

Sponsor: Rep. Joe Wilson (R-SC) (2 Cosponsors)

H.R. 1215: A bill to authorize the Secretary of Energy to make certain loan guarantees for advanced conservation and fuel efficiency motor vehicle technology projects that reduce the emissions of one or more greenhouse gases.

Sponsor: Rep. Michael Rogers (R-MI)

H.R. 1300: Program for Real Energy Security (PROGRESS) Act. Among other provisions, the Act directs the Secretary of Energy to establish a competitive grant program to state and local governments and transportation authorities for the procuring and testing of plug-in hybrid vehicles, with the displacement of greenhouse gas emissions as a criterion for selection. The Act also authorizes the Department of Defense to enter into long-term contracts to procure biobased and unconventional fuel, including coal-to-liquid fuel from facilities that employ carbon capture and sequestration technology.

Sponsor: Rep. Steny Hoyer (D-MD) (108 Cosponsors)

H.R. 1451: New Options Petroleum Energy Conservation Act of 2007. The purpose of the bill is to “provide incentives to reduce dependence on foreign oil,” and includes a Climate Neutral Combustion Credit among other incentives for investing in renewable and alternative fuels and sources of energy.

Sponsor: Rep. Dan Lungren (R-CA) (1 Cosponsors)

H.R. 1551: Healthy Farms, Foods, and Fuels Act of 2007. Among other provisions, the Act directs the Secretary of Agriculture to consider the extent of proposed greenhouse gas (GHG) reductions when awarding grants, loans, and loan guarantees for renewable energy and energy efficiency projects. The Act also reauthorizes funds for research conducted through consortium for agricultural soils mitigation of GHGs.

Sponsor: Rep. Ron Kind (D-WI) (100 Cosponsors)

H.R. 1600: Equitable Agriculture Today for a Healthy America Act (EAT Healthy America Act). Among other provisions, the Act amends the Food Security Act of 1985 to include conservation innovation grants for alternative energy projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions in farm operations.

Sponsor: Rep. Dennis Cardoza (D-CA) (87 Cosponsors)

H.R. 1915: American Automobile Industry Promotion Act of 2007. This bill directs the Secretary of Energy to, in conjunction with the National Academy of Sciences, conduct a program of research, development, demonstration, and commercial application for electric drive transportation technology, including control systems which optimized for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, among other purposes.

Sponsor: Rep. Michael Castle (R-DE) (1 Cosponsors)

H.R. 1933: Department of Energy Carbon Capture and Storage Research, Development, and Demonstration Act of 2007. This bill would amend the Energy Policy Act of 2005 by authorizing a total of $1.685 billion from 2008 through 2012 for a carbon capture and storage (CCS) research, development, and demonstration program. Among other provisions, the bill directs the Secretary of Energy to carry out a CCS demonstration program using a variety of geologic formations, and includes funds for safety research.

(1 Cosponsors)

H.R. 1945: Energy for Our Future Act. This bill contains various provisions intended to improve the energy efficiency of the United States, including the repeal of preemption of state law relating to automobile fuel economy standards. Also included is the Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle Act of 2007, which would direct the Secretary of Energy to establish a competitive grant pilot demonstration program for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, and sets the measurement of greenhouse gas emissions from these vehicles as as as a criteria for grant application. An applicant receiving the grant will be awarded no more than $10-million in Federal assistance for the period encompassing fiscal years 2008-2012.

Sponsor: Rep. Christopher Shays (R-CT) (15 Cosponsors)

H.R. 2079: Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle Act of 2007. This bill would direct the Secretary of Energy to establish a competitive grant pilot demonstration program for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, and sets the measurement of greenhouse gas emissions from these vehicles as a criteria for grant application. An applicant receiving the grant will be awarded no more than $10 million in Federal assistance for the period encompassing fiscal years 2008-2012.

Sponsor: Rep. Lamar Smith (R-TX) (7 Cosponsors)

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Climate-Friendly Technology Proposals from the 110th Congress